Optimizing Cognitive Remediation Outcomes in Schizophrenia

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The purpose of this study is to explicitly and aggressively drive an optimal response to neuroplasticity- based cognitive remediation in schizophrenia in order to maximize treatment response. We will investigate factors that have generally been ignored in computer-based cognitive remediation programs-those related to social cognition-- and will delineate their relationship to motivation, functional outcome, and the neural substrates of reward anticipation and emotion processing. Current research indicates that, unless we fully understand and harness these factors, we will not achieve meaningful treatment gains for individuals with schizophrenia. Our specific aims are: 1. To perform an RCT in which 100 schizophrenia subjects are assigned to either 60 hours of neuroplasticity- based computerized targeted cognitive training (TCT) that focuses exclusively on "cold cognition" (a program which trains early sensory processing, attention, working memory and cognitive control in auditory and visual domains), or to 60 hours of training that combines the TCT program with 20 minutes per day of adaptive computerized social cognition training (SCT) exercises. 2. To compare the outcomes of these two groups of subjects on measures of neurocognition, social cognition, motivation, and functional outcome. 3. To assess subjects six months after the intervention to determine the durability of training effects. 4. To identify changes in brain activation patterns in key neural regions as a result of TCT alone vs. TCT+SCT: during reward anticipation, and during emotion recognition. The timeliness of this approach is supported by recent evidence demonstrating only weak associations between traditional cognitive remediation approaches and functional outcome in schizophrenia, but a strong, direct relationship between social cognition and functional outcome. Thus we must now examine the clinical, functional, and neural effects of a well-designed state-of-the-art cognitive training program that combines neurocognition with social cognition training. Public Health Relevance Statement (Narrative) This research is relevant to public health in that it will: 1) determine whether the addition of social cognition training exercises to neuroplasticity-based cognitive training of auditory and visual processing improves outcome for people with schizophrenia; 2) help to identify neuroplasticity-based cognitive remediation strategies for schizophrenia that provide the maximal benefit in terms of helping patients to achieve meaningful improvements in motivation and social and occupational functioning.